FAMU asks feds to investigate grade change case

Florida A&M President James Ammons has asked the U.S. Attorney’s Office to take over the FAMU grade change investigation, launched Sept. 17 by FAMU police who were acting on a tip that unauthorized grade changes were made. The feds have agreed to investigate.

University officials said in a press release issued a few minutes ago that they "believe their involvement would strengthen the university’s efforts to have those involved prosecuted."

“We are pleased that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has made this determination,” said Sharon P. Saunders, university spokesperson. “Their involvement will send a signal that we are serious about seeking prosecution.”

So why would a state university need a federal government agency to investigate. This is pure speculation, but Gradebook wonders whether the grades might have involved athletes.

Ammons yesterday ousted the athletic director and football coach, after all, and many of FAMU's athletes receive scholarships and federal Pell grants......

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Gradebook features education articles and insights on schools in Florida, focusing on Tampa Bay area schools. What's the latest from the Florida Department of Education? How is the FCAT being used to compare Florida schools? What's going on in Tampa Bay schools? Get an insider's view from the Times education reporting team.